Manchester City seems all set for their upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest. Pep Guardiola‘s side needs to win the fixture to ensure they remain near table-toppers Arsenal. With Erling Haaland back in the squad, fans were expecting the Manchester City number 9 to start against Nuno Espirito’s side. However, the Spaniard has left them stunned after leaving the striker on the bench!

While many fans might be confused at Pep’s decision to keep Erling Haaland away, the move makes sense considering the team’s situation. The Cityzens have a lot to play for this season, with the Premier League and FA Cup titles up for grabs. Risking Erling Haaland’s fitness for a weaker opposition does not make sense for the team, as the side has to face Wolves in the upcoming week.

Erling Haaland is coming off a muscular injury and playing the entire 90 minutes could aggravate this. The team management does not want to risk that, considering he has been absent from the playing eleven for the last two weeks. This is the second time Erling Haaland has missed over three games in a row. The last time Haaland was absent for the Cityzens was in December, with the player picking up an ankle injury against Aston Villa. It will be interesting to see if the team does get the player on the field in the second half.

Josko Gvardiol provides Manchester City the lead in Erling Haaland’s absence

Pep Guardiola’s side seems to be having a hard time breaching Nottingham Forest’s defense. The home team has kept their shape so far in the contest concerning just a single goal from Kevin De Bruyne’s corner with Josko Gvardiol heading it inside in the 32nd minute. Man City will hope to find the second goal during the second half to push Forest out of the game. A win over Nuno Espirito’s side will see Pep Guardiola’s team maintain their 2nd place in the standings with 79 points.

Meanwhile, Forest will look to maintain their three-game unbeaten streak at home as they aim to avoid relegation. The home team is currently in a tough pickle with the side 17th in the standings, with 25 points to their name. Both Burnley and Luton have the chance to upset the side in the remaining three games of the season to push the team into the relegation zone.

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